Anyone interested in craftsmanship raised to the level of fine art must see the Baulines Craft Guild's Master Members Show beginning on April 1 and running through May 7 in the Burnett Gallery at Gualala Arts. Fine furniture will be exhibited along with metal, textile, glass, and ceramic pieces. Founded in 1972 this guild has achieved a national reputation for excellence.

Drawing on a long heritage, this group has both master and apprentice artisans who work with a wide range of materials to create exceptional pieces that combine artistic interpretation with functional use at a high level of workmanship. The guild not only provides an association of like-minded craftspeople, but it also offers instruction to aspiring novices.

In 1996 the guild began serving the youth of Marin County in an arts-in-the-school program and continues that function with an after school program and a Junior Apprentice program. Janet Moore directs guild activities from an office in San Rafael, but members are found throughout Northern California and as far away as Phoenix. Michael Cullen, the current president, makes fine furniture in Petaluma.

Guild founder, Tom D'Onofrio, had a belief that individuals who develop their inner creative spirit experience a "Renaissance of Consciousness" that affect not only the individual, but also society as a whole. The guild attempts to influence people to look within for a personal growth and to develop the skills to express that inner vision with a fine quality object that combines aesthetically pleasing design and utility.

Although the principles involved hearken back to medieval guilds, the Baulines Guild has strong Northern California roots. Michael Carroll and Paul Reiber do fine woodworking in the Fort Bragg-Mendocino area. The name Baulines suggests its beginnings in the West Marin community of Bolinas.

In addition to offering educational classes and serving as a resource center, the guild also fosters exhibit programs. Members have work represented in major museum collections including the Smithsonian Institute, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the De Young and Museums of Fine Arts in San Francisco and the New York Museum of Fine Art.

The artist reception will take place from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 8. The public will have an opportunity to converse with the artisans and learn more about this unusual organization. A virtual gallery of pieces, more information on services and classes as well as a directory of members can be found on-line at www.baulinescraftguild.org.

Gualala Arts Center is located at 46501 Old State Highway in Gualala, and is open from 9 am to 4 pm weekdays, and weekends from noon to 4 p.m. Please call (707) 884-1138 for more information.